Neapolitan Mastiff

Notes

The majestic Neapolitan Mastiff is believed to be a direct descendant from the Roman war dogs, that in return origiante from ancient Babylonian and Assyrian molossoid dogs. The breed, often called 'neo' or 'mastino', continued to live on Italian farms, but not much was heard about it until the 1900s, when it was believed to be extinct. So it may not come as a surprise that eight Mastino that were shown on a dog show in 1946 created a lot of commotion! Since then, the breed has spread and is now found in most of Europe, as well as the US and Australia.

The trademark of the Mastino are, of course, the wrinkles. It should be proud but not overly elegant, instead its movements are sometimes said to resemble a lion's. It can come in black or liver (called mahogany in this breed), or in the dilute forms of these colours (grey and isabella, called tawny in the breed). The breed should give a majestic impression, with a massive head, when viewe from the front wedge-shaped. Marked stop with very broad and deep muzzle. The ears are triangular, set very high and either cropped or natural. The neck is short, powerful and arched, formin dewlaps. The body is longer than it is high, with a broad chest and almost straight underline. The tail is thick, either docked or natural. The coat is thick, fine and short. There should be a good amount of skin, in particular on the head where wrinkles are formed.

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